Greenville, SC – The Greenville County Republican Party has announced they will be having their Bronze Elephant Dinner with Senator Rick Santorum as the keynote speaker followed by a Republican gubernatorial debate and straw poll on Saturday May 22nd 2010. All 4 candidates seeking the Republican nomination have confirmed that they will be participating in what is expected to be the final gubernatorial debate leading up to the June 8th Republican Primary.

The event will be held at the Carolina First Center located at 1 Exposition Drive in Greenville, SC. The evening will begin with the Bronze Elephant Dinner, which will begin at 6:00pm, followed by the debate, which will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets for the dinner and debate are $50 per person, and tickets for the debate only are $25 per person. Sponsorships and premium seating are available.

Greenville County Republican Party Chairman Patrick Haddon declares “There are more Republican voters in Greenville County than any other county in the state. Republican candidates understand the importance of campaigning here, and the Greenville County Republican Party is proud to host an event as important as this.”

“Rick Santorum is a model conservative and exactly the kind of Republican that people can believe in when it comes to voting for the conservative principles upon which the Republican Party was founded. While some in the Party are advocating a more “moderate” approach to governing, Senator Santorum has consistently stood his ground. Whether it is fighting for limited government, lower taxes, and fighting the battle to stop the ever increasing intrusion of the federal government into our private lives, you can count on Senator Santorum. My hope is that by having Senator Santorum address our Bronze Elephant Dinner, our party activists will see that they are not alone in fighting for conservative values. I look forward to the event and encourage everyone who can to come and enjoy a great night.”

The Straw Poll will include the Republican candidates running for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Superintendent of Education, State Treasurer, Comptroller General, and 4th Congressional District. Everyone attending the event will be allowed to vote, and results will be announced later that evening.

Both the dinner and debate are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased through www.GreenvilleGOP.com